Each year, the fellowship will set the genre and theme for short film projects. Cash awards will be awarded to Palestinian filmmakers to apply to their production funds for the chosen projects.

2025 Genre & Theme

• Comedy. This can range from dark comedy, satire, irony, to romantic comedy, uplifting comedy, family comedy, to dramedy or horror comedy. 

• Poetry. This year, we are asking for submitted projects that explore the theme of poetry. Be as creative as you like! For e.g. the film can be poetic, can be about a poet, a group of poets, can incorporate poetry, etc.

Who can apply?

• Applicants must be of Palestinian descent.

• Location: The fellowship is open Palestinian filmmakers in the diaspora worldwide.

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.



• Experience level: Filmmakers at any stage of their career may apply.



• Language: Projects in any language are accepted, though scripts must be written in or translated into English for judging.

Guidelines

• Script length: Short film scripts should not exceed 10 pages in standard screenplay format (1 page = roughly 1 minute of screen time).

• Characters: The film must feature a main character(s) of Palestinian descent.

• Production feasibility: Scripts should be producible as a 1 - 10 minute short film.

Award Details

• Award recipients: Three filmmakers will each receive a grant of USD $1,000 to produce their short film.

• Mentorship: Awardees will have access to optional mentorship from Safina Filmmaker Project mentorship team via script feedback, rough cut feedback, and calls for talent.

• Completion timeline: Filmmakers are expected to complete production and submit the final film within 6 months of receiving the grant, by June 2025.

• Screenings & promotion: Awardees retain full creative control and ownership of their films. However, the fellowship will hold screening events for the completed films, as well as distribution and promotion on social media platforms (with full credit to the filmmakers).

Judging Criteria

• Originality: Unique perspectives and fresh storytelling.

• Narrative quality: A strong, compelling narrative that engages the audience.

• Feasibility: The film must be achievable within the budget and timeline.

• Artistic vision: Clear, bold, and creative vision from the filmmaker.

Timeline

• October 21, 2024 — Applications Open

• December 1, 2024 — Applications Close

• January 15th, 2025 — Final three winners announced & prize money awarded. All other applicants notified.

• June, 2025 — Winners films due